15 Healthy Appetizer Recipes for Parties

Photographed by One Lovely Life

I work at home all day, everyday, and have certainly over the course of last year experienced months when the weeks blend together in a blurry string of Mondays and Fridays. One thing I’ve found myself doing is using literally any excuse to break up the monotony by going big to celebrate any and all special occasions or holidays. I’ve realized how fundamentally important (and just fun) it is to take the time out of my day to make things actually feel special. Valentine’s day? It’s Madalyn’s Chocolate Fig Bark for my partner. Friend’s bday? Brownies and Champagne for delivery. Best friend having their first baby? You know it’s casserole time. Super bowl?…Um, okay, why not – I guess it’s time for some party food!

Regardless of the occasion, having a few tasty and easy to make party recipes in your toolkit will get you ready for epic get-togethers to come, when quarantining is a thing of the past. So, we wanted to serve up 15 healthy recipes to impress and delight.

15 Appetizer Recipes:

1. Chicken Zucchini Poppers - One Lovely Life

Combine ground chicken and grated zucchini to make meatball-like “poppers”. These are just the right size to dip into your favorite sauce and pop right in your mouth. But be warned- it’s impossible to have just one.

2. Cranberry, Pecan, Goat Cheese, Sweet Potato Bites - Recipe Runner

Sweet potatoes are used in this recipe instead of bread, for a healthier take on the much loved crostini bite appetizer. Looking for a dairy free option? Simply swap out the goat cheese with Kite Hill cream cheese or ricotta.

Photographed by Recipe Runner

2. Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts - Fit Foodie Finds

We love salty bacon wrapped… everything! These are sure to be the most popular bite-size appetizers on the table.

3. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pinwheels - Minimalist Baker

Similar to the very popular pinwheel sandwiches that are a staple of most parties, these are filled with vegan cheese, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. For a gluten-free option, try our favorite grain-free Siete tortillas instead.

Photographed by Minimalist Baker.

5. Ceviche Cucumber Cups - Skinny Taste

Light, crisp and fresh—the cucumber is made into little cups by scooping out the center!

6. Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers - Unbound Wellness

Grab-and-go bites made with chicken and sweet potato. These are the perfect finger food for dipping in guacamole, ketchup or mustard.

7. Skinny Paleo Lemon Artichoke Dip - Physical Kitchness

A delicious, chunky dip that you can serve with chips, crackers, and vegetables. The zesty mixture is made with artichokes, cauliflower and lemon—and cheesy nutritional yeast.

Photographed by Physical Kitchness

8. Grilled Zucchini Roll Recipe with Herbed Goat Cheese & Kalamata Olives - Cookin Canuck

Strips of zucchini grilled are rolled up with a creamy mixture of goat cheese and finely chopped olives. For a dairy-free option, use Kite Hill cream cheese or ricotta.

9. Sweet & Spicy Sweet Potato Fries- Eat Yourself Skinny

Who doesn’t like hot fries right out of the oven? These are sure to be a crowd pleaser and are made with a sweet and spicy twist—chili powder and brown sugar.

Photographed by Eat Yourself Skinny

10. Grape and Prosciutto Skewers - Moma Loves Food

Sweet grapes, buttery and salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula are skewered on a stick for an excellent line up!

11. Chili Lime Shrimp Skewers - Tasty Thin

This one is super flavorful and cooks fast—just about two minutes on each side! It’s also fresh and light so you won’t fill up too much before the main course.

Photographed by Tasty Thin

12. Paleo 7 Layer Dip - Wicked Spatula

From top to bottom, this Paleo version of a game day dip is made with guacamole, salsa, grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, olives, tomatoes and topped with onion and cilantro. Serve with Paleo plantain chips for an extra healthy upgrade.

Photographed by Wicked Spatula

13. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites - Real Housemoms

Your healthier version of buffalo wings—veggie style. These roasted cauliflower florets are baked in buffalo sauce and butter. To make dairy free, use coconut oil or a vegan butter.

14. Chicken “Parmesan” Meatballs (Paleo) - Plaid & Paleo

Although these have “parmesan” in the name, the salty and sweet flavors come from the coconut flour and sea salt. They’re actually dairy free!

15. Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles - Spend with Pennies

Green beans and bacon have always been a classic combo. Now you can enjoy them bundled up for a small bite, exploding with flavor.

Now, go find an excuse to celebrate!

We hope this appetizer list has helped you find exactly what you need for whatever special occasion or event you’re celebrating. Let us know which appetizers you make, and which ones you liked best!